On the execution of an idea that provides something that people want and are willing to pay for.<p>So, you're question is really "How do you define 'Execution of an idea, and how do you fund that":<p>You'll need an idea with capable skill behind it. The skills you need will evolve with the idea and the % of execution performed.<p>At times you will need development, infrastructure, sales and administration.<p>Development is the team to execute on the feeatures your idea needs to keep users engaged/paying.<p>Infrastructure is needed initially/at scale in different forms, factors and frequencies.<p>Sales is getting people to know about use and pay for your idea.<p>Administration (I am using generically) to include all the activities that support the above. Rent, HR, Marketing (though this can also go into Sales)<p>So, you need to have a somewhat solid understanding of the above as it relates to your idea and where you are in the process of building a company.<p>A very very early startup is going to spend most on, intially development and infrastructure, then on sales, then on admin, then cycling back to the other areas as needed.<p>Hopefully you do NOT wind up with a resource sink such as legal battles, poor investments on non-contributors etc...